Trucks exports from South Africa: data, top buyers and prices
South Africa exported $5.55 billion of trucks in 2024 (466.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 3%. That is 16% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.55B | 466.3K t |
| 2023 | $6.64B | 561.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.22B | 411.1K t |
| 2021 | $4.16B | 401.9K t |
| 2020 | $2.83B | 287.0K t |
| 2019 | $3.48B | 368.3K t |
| 2018 | $3.39B | 324.0K t |
| 2017 | $3.00B | 300.5K t |
Where South Africa exports trucks to
The largest buyer markets were Belgium (19%), Germany (19%), Spain (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three buyer markets together make up only 48%. Among the main buyer markets, Mexico grew fastest (+31% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | $1.08B | 20% |
| Germany | $1.05B | 19% |
| Spain | $514.8M | 9.3% |
| United Kingdom | $316.9M | 5.7% |
| Australia | $305.6M | 5.5% |
| Namibia | $181.3M | 3.3% |
| Zambia | $146.2M | 2.6% |
| Mexico | $144.5M | 2.6% |
| Czech Republic | $130.6M | 2.4% |
| Botswana | $126.0M | 2.3% |
Product types under HS 8704
| 8704.21 | Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes)… | 88% |
| 8704.31 | Vehicles: spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 | 5% |
| 8704.10 | Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goods | 4.7% |
| 8704.22 | Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but… | 1.3% |
| 8704.23 | Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes)… | 0.5% |
| 8704.90 | Vehicles: for transport of goods, n.e.c. in heading no. 8704 | 0.4% |
| 8704.32 | Vehicles: spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8704.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.91 per kg, 23% above the world average of $9.72. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Trucks imports to South Africa
South Africa imported $1.18 billion of trucks in 2024 (146.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. The largest suppliers were Japan (24%), India (14%), China (12%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 50%. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+143% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $280.4M | 24% |
| India | $168.7M | 14% |
| China | $136.2M | 12% |
| Germany | $111.1M | 9.4% |
| Thailand | $107.5M | 9.1% |
| Sweden | $106.2M | 9% |
| United States | $44.1M | 3.7% |
| United Kingdom | $34.7M | 2.9% |
| Poland | $33.2M | 2.8% |
| South Korea | $28.8M | 2.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in South Africa?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Updated weekly on EximDataX (some markets daily), while public statistics stop at 2024.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8704: Vehicles; for the transport of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of trucks exported by South Africa?
South Africa exported trucks worth $5.55 billion in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 466.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 188 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries buy trucks from South Africa?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 19% of the value ($1.08 billion), followed by Germany (19%) and Spain (9%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 144 buyer countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 31% on the year.
What is the average export price of trucks per kg?
The average declared export value was about $11.91 per kg in 2024, 23% above the world average of $9.72 per kg. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so it blends every grade and size; use it as a benchmark, not a quote. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
How have exports of trucks from South Africa changed since 2017?
Exports went from $3.00 billion in 2017 to $5.55 billion in 2024, an increase of 85%. The peak was 2023 at $6.64 billion. Monthly and weekly movements since then are in EximDataX.
Does South Africa also import trucks?
Yes. South Africa imported $1.18 billion worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Japan, India and China. On balance South Africa is a net exporter of this product, by about $4.38 billion a year.
What is the HS code for trucks?
The HS code for trucks is heading 8704. In South Africa the largest six-digit codes were 8704.21 (88% of the value) and 8704.31 (5%). It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8704 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX rebuilds South Africa trade from the customs records of its trading partners, updated weekly, so you can see the companies that ship to and from it. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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